core

What’s on the Menu Could Help You Complete Your Weekend Workout

I have a lot of hidden talents, but one I’m ready to admit to today may leave some of you scratching your heads.

I’m a Scent DJ.

You read that right, a Scent DJ.

I discovered this talent recently while Shannon was in labor at the hospital. We brought our essential oil diffuser with the hope of creating a more relaxed atmosphere during labor, delivery and recovery. During the 3 days that we were there, we received multiple compliments and inquires about the scents I was using. I was a maestro of the essential oils and that’s when Shannon bestowed me with the title of Scent DJ, which is also known in the professional world as an aromatherapist.

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The broad definition of aromatherapy is the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being. As unusual as it may sound, the use of specific scents is one of the oldest forms of medicine. Over time, people have discovered that certain scents help treat certain ailments and/or enhance specific bodily functions.

Rosemary oil is a scent I “spin” on a regular basis and the potential health benefits it can provide should have you running to your nearest apothecary store. Below is a short list of potential benefits associated with using rosemary oil

  • Cancer fighting abilities: rosemary oil contains a chemical called carnosol, which studies have shown selectively kills cancer cells while leaving non-cancer cells unharmed (source)
  • Prevents hair loss: a 2015 study demonstrated that rosemary oil was as effective as the active ingredient in Rogaine in protecting against hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia (source)
  • Improves cognitive function: a 2012 study documented that test subjects displayed improved performance, speed and accuracy on cognitive tests when exposed to rosemary oil aroma (source)

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One such cognitive function that can be enhanced by rosemary oil aroma is exercise, which is why I strongly encourage you to fill your nostrils with the scent of rosemary before you perform this boxing centric weekend workout.

Head to the ETT YouTube channel (link) if you need further instruction on the jab + power hook and/or power uppercut + lead hook hand combinations. I recommend performing the workout in interval format (30 sec work/30 sec rest) for 12-20 minutes. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

If you complete this or any weekend workout, please let us know in the comment section below OR send us a pic/video of you doing the workout on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – Push It, Push It Real Good

Compound exercises are multi-joint movements that require the use of various muscle groups. That means performing a workout filled with compound exercises will give you more “bang for your buck” which is why I decided to fill this weekend workout with one of the best compound exercises around: the push-up.

This bodyweight workout includes a variety of push-up variations that will strengthen numerous muscle groups in your body.  I recommend performing 10 reps of each push-up variation followed by at least 30 seconds of rest for three to five circuits. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

Connect with us on social media and share pics/videos of you performing this or any weekend workout (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – This Workout Focuses on Your Core Concern

Several potential benefits of core training according to Men’s Fitness include: improved sports performance, reduction in lower-back pain, better posture, development of stronger breathing muscles and a slimmer waistline (source). Plus, you’ll absorb more beneficial Vitamin D during those times showing off your core muscles at the beach, or supermarket. Wherever you prefer.

You’re gonna want a workout mat to perform the core exercises in this weekend workout. I recommend performing five 10 rep supersets of these exercises with at least 60 seconds of rest in between sets. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

If you complete this or any weekend workout, please let us know in the comment section below OR you can send us a pic/video of you doing the workout on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – I’ve Got Boxing On The Brain

My recent chat with combat sports historian, Dr. L.A. Jennings, on the ATF podcast (episode link) inspired me to share a weekend workout that features several boxing techniques. The workout below integrates a couple of hand combinations with a pair of body weight exercises that I guarantee will make you sweat!

Head to the ETT YouTube channel (link) if you need further instruction on the cross + lead hook and/or jab + power uppercut hand combinations. I recommend performing the workout in interval format (30 sec work/30 sec rest) for 12-20 minutes. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

If you complete this or any weekend workout, please let us know in the comment section below OR you can send a us pic/video of you doing the workout on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – Stiff as a Board to Move Light as a Feather

I mentioned it in a previous weekend workout post, but I think it bears repeating: having 6-pack abs doesn’t mean you have a strong core. Your rectus abdominis muscles make up your 6-pack, but to improve overall core strength you need to perform exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, obliques, transversus abdominis, erector spinae and more.

One such exercise that strengthens all these areas is the plank. I recommend performing the plank variation workout below in interval format (30 sec work/30 sec rest) for 15-25 minutes. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

If you complete this or any weekend workout, please let us know in the comment section below OR you can send us a pic/video of you doing the workout on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – A Stronger Core Means A Stronger You

Have you tried incorporating supersets into your workouts yet? For those that need a refresher on supersets, they require you to perform a desired number of repetitions for 3 separate exercises in succession. These workout sets allow you to up the intensity of your workout in a shorter period of time.

This weekend workout includes a core centric superset workout. Performing five 10 rep supersets of this workout will help improve strength in your ENTIRE core, not just your 6-pack (rectus abdominis). Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level.

Let us know in the comment section below if you completed this or any weekend workout. ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – Your Core Is Much More Than A 6-Pack

A lot of people think when they see someone with 6-pack abs that they have a strong core, but that might not necessarily be true. Your rectus abdominis muscles make up your 6-pack, but to improve core strength you need to perform exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, obliques, transversus abdominis, erector spinae and more. Below is an example of a workout that will strengthen your ENTIRE core and help you get that highly coveted 6-pack.

I recommend performing five 10 rep supersets of this workout. Don’t forget to warmup and modify the workout to match your fitness level. Let us know in the comment section below if you completed this or any weekend workout. ENJOY!

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Weekend Workout – Bringing Back Some Gym Class Memories

You’ll have to break out a few cones for this weekend workout. Incorporating speed drills into your exercise routine can help you improve reaction time, build oxygen capacity, develop fast twitch muscles and strengthen ligaments.

I recommend performing three to five sets of these speed exercises. It’s especially important that you warmup and modify this workout to match your fitness level. Head to the Tampa Strength YouTube channel (link) if you’re looking for additional exercises to add to you weekend workout.

Let us know in the comment section below if you completed this or any weekend workout. ENJOY!

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